The already comprehensive Ford Ranger line-up has been bolstered by the introduction of a six-speed automatic gearbox for the 2.2-litre Duratorq TCDi derivative. This new model will reach showroom floors from July 2016 and is offered in three body styles.

The smash-hit Ford Ranger continues to be asales success for the blue oval brand, even followingthe introduction of the all-new Toyota Hilux. An important ingredient in the recipe for success has been the number of derivatives on offer.

Following the recent announcement that Ford South Africa would be expanding its local manufacturing operations, it was only a matter of time before even more new models would make their way on to the market. First to arrive is a new six-speed automatic option for several of the 2.2-litre turbodiesel-equipped derivatives.Demand for an automatic transmissionin the top-spec Ranger models has already proven to be considerable.“The success of the automatic transmission option on the Ford Ranger is unprecedented, with almost 70% of buyers opting for the auto instead of the manual in the powerful 3.2-litre models,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

According to Delate, the Ford Ranger 2.2-litre TDCi Automatic isone of the first pickups of its type to offer a self-shifting transmission. This new powertrain offers up 118kW and 385Nm when coupled with thesix-speed auto. Nine variants with this engine will be on offer soon and now the total Ranger line-up sits at 36 models!You can get this engine and gearbox combination for the Single Cab, theSuper Cab, and the Double Cab. With three trim levels (entry-level XL, the mid-range XLS and the top-end XLT), there's certainly no shortage of choice. Note that Single Cab and Super Cab only have two trim levels (XL and XLS).

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